NEVADA GUN LAWS & REGULATIONS UPDATE 2023

A DECADE OF CHANGE: AN UPDATED OVERVIEW OF NEVADA’S GUN LAWS AND REGULATIONS TIMELINE (2013-2023)

Over the past ten years, Nevada’s gun laws have witnessed significant changes, reflecting the state’s commitment to responsible firearm ownership while addressing evolving perspectives on public safety. From background checks to concealed carry, these developments aim to balance Second Amendment rights with community well-being. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the key advancements in Nevada’s gun laws and regulations from 2013 to 2023, presented in bullet points:

2013 – Background Checks for Private Sales:

 – Nevada enacts legislation requiring background checks for private firearm sales at gun shows, closing potential loopholes and promoting responsible transfers.

2014 – Enhanced Reporting of Mental Health Records:

   – Nevada improves the reporting of mental health records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) to prevent firearm access by prohibited individuals.

2015 – Concealed Carry Reciprocity Agreements:

   – Nevada enters concealed carry reciprocity agreements with several states, allowing residents with valid permits to carry across state lines.

2016 – Enhanced Background Checks for All Firearm Sales:

   – Legislation is introduced to require background checks for all firearm sales, including private transactions, aiming to further regulate access to firearms.

2017 – Firearm Storage Recommendations:

   – Nevada introduces guidelines promoting responsible firearm storage practices to prevent unauthorized access, especially in households with minors.

2018 – Bump Stock Ban:

   – Following a tragic mass shooting in Las Vegas, Nevada bans bump stocks, devices that allow semi-automatic firearms to mimic automatic fire.

2019 – Mental Health Crisis Intervention Orders:

   – Nevada enacts legislation allowing family members and law enforcement to petition for temporary firearm removal from individuals in mental health crisis.

2020 – Concealed Carry Permit Changes:

   – Nevada updates concealed carry permit requirements, focusing on firearm training and safety education for applicants.

2021 – Firearm Waiting Period Implementation: 

   – Legislation introduces a mandatory waiting period for firearm purchases, allowing time for background checks and cooling-off periods.

2022 – Assault Weapon Ban Consideration:

    – Nevada discusses the potential implementation of an assault weapon ban to address evolving firearm technologies and their potential risks.

2022 – School Safety Legislation:

    – Nevada explores legislation to enhance school safety by permitting certain school staff to carry concealed firearms on school grounds, subject to proper training.

2023 – “Red Flag” Law Enactment: 

    – Nevada adopts “red flag” laws, allowing law enforcement and family members to seek temporary firearm removal for individuals deemed a risk.

2023 – Firearm Training and Safety Initiatives:

   – Nevada introduces initiatives to promote firearm safety education and training among gun owners, emphasizing responsible practices.

2023 – Enhanced Background Checks for Concealed Carry:

    – Nevada further tightens background checks for concealed carry permit applicants, focusing on mental health history and criminal records.

Nevada’s gun laws have evolved significantly over the past decade, reflecting the state’s dedication to responsible firearm ownership and community safety. From background checks and waiting periods to discussions on assault weapon bans and “red flag” laws, these changes demonstrate Nevada’s proactive approach to firearm regulation. As the state continues to adapt its laws, it remains crucial for stakeholders, policymakers, and citizens to engage in informed discussions that balance individual rights with the security of the community.

Nevada is routinely considered one of the fastest growing states in America. With a booming tourism market, one would assume the state would hold a rigorous stance towards gun control. This however, is not the case, for Nevada’s stance towards guns is very lenient. The state does not require any permits or licenses for purchasing or possession.

Registration is also unnecessary according to Nevada law on guns. Like most states with casual gun control laws, a permit is only required for carrying a concealed weapon. Many politicians believe that lax gun control policy in Nevada is utterly ridiculous due to the amount of tourism, and temptation Las Vegas offers. Apparently. the violent crime statistics back this sentiment up. Year by year, Nevada ranks as the most dangerous state (or at least in the top 3) in America. Regardless of the statistic used, whether it be violent crimes, murders by firearms, assault, etc., the crime numbers for Nevada are consistently among the highest in the nation.

Nevada is considered a “shall issue state” and also allows for firearms to be carried openly or unloaded. The application process for the right to conceal is not strict, nor unique. After basic questions are filed at the sheriff’s office, a course and instructional must be completed for the specific model of firearm which the applicant owns. Because Nevada is a popular attraction for tourists, the state will honor the CCL permits of many other places including Alaska, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio, and Tennessee.

Nevada has more guns sold and registered than any other state in the U.S. Is this due to the constant flow of people entering Nevada? Las Vegas is the second largest tourist attraction in the U.S.; or is it because state laws rarely impose on gun dealers? A gun dealer in Nevada does not need to be licensed to distribute. Records or transactions for sales are not mandated by law.

There is no limit on bulk purchases, amounts of ammunition, or magazine sizes. A gun dealer also does not have to comply with law enforcement; police inspections of Nevada gun shops are not allowed by state law. Many gun control activists believe the absence of regulations on dealers combined with the constant flow of tourism attribute to Nevada’s bleak murder numbers. Since 2000, Nevada has had on average 27 gun related deaths per 100,000 people annually, by far the most in the US.

Constant flow of traffic into the state, combined with a lack of restrictions on gun dealers, has proven to be a deadly combination. Nevada gun shops are not regulated, background checks are not performed, and criminals or ex-convicts can easily purchase a firearm. The majority of states in the U.S. adopt a gun law either based on necessity, culture, or a mixture of the two. Nevada is unique because of a contrasting dichotomy present within the state.

Nevada’s rapid growth is mostly found within Las Vegas’ or Reno’s city limits; while the majority outside of those urban environments are sprawling, mostly uninhabited lands. The contrast in these varying landscapes also presents a contrast in the importance of gun laws.